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Happy 2018!

I cannot believe we’re into 2018 already. When people talk about 2007 (for example), I want to say that was last year. Or maybe two years ago. It was totally 11 years ago. How. HOW?! However it happened, it did, and we’re into a new year.

We’re rolling into this year with 4 kiddos! Can you believe that I haven’t posted since baby number four entered this world? Here’s a quick update on that.

We had baby number four 9 [freaking long] days late, on August 8. And it was another girl! Our little Gwynn. She’s a sunshine child, just like her big sister was. Super great baby. She spends her days hanging out, drooling, pushing herself around the floor, and napping.She’s 5 months old already. Again, how does time go so fast?

This is obviously not a food post. I haven’t had time to take pictures of food for awhile. I’m lucky if I remember to eat breakfast, let alone photograph it. Y’know? I thought we’d go for a goals/resolutions post. As well as a books-to-read-in-2018 post.

I am actually not a huge fan of resolutions. Mostly because I can’t decide what I’m supposed to resolve to do. And because when I finally do decide, I end up failing. Horribly. Goals sound better. They aren’t written in stone, but they’re something to kind of strive for. I feel like they’re more flexible, and I don’t beat myself up near as much about them.

My goals this year are very similar to the ones I had last year, though maybe a bit more specific.

#WordbeforeWorld Doing some Bible reading before doing ANYTHING else, as often as I can.

Less screen time, more actual reading. (Hence the book list at the end of the post. Scroll down to see what I’m going to try to read!)

More exercise. I’m a huge fan of running. It’s stress-relief for me, and makes me feel like a million bucks. And I missed out last year because of pregnancy and recuperating from giving birth (it takes me awhile to get back in the swing of things) . I love outdoor running, so once spring rolls around – here I come! I’m super excited. Other than running, I’m hoping to do some at home Beachbody stuff with Hubby. We just need to start… The hardest part, eh?

Saying yes to some things, and no to others. I’m figuring out that just because something is “good”, doesn’t mean I need to do it. But some things, I try to avoid doing, but probably shouldn’t.

Work hard, play hard, rest more frequently. Is that even possible? Haha.

I reaaallly want to make a quilt. And finish the sweater I started to knit for hubby. And knit mister Jude a new hat. So I’m putting those down into my goals.

On to the book list. I go through spurts with reading. But I really love to read. A lot. I just haven’t made enough time for it lately. It stretches my brain, reminds me of words that I know (guys, I actually know words that aren’t kid-words!!), plus it’s relaxing. I also read pretty much anything (though I’m a closet sci-fi/fantasy fanatic). This year though, the focus is really on parenting. There are some other subjects included, but it’s mostly mom-related. I have a list of 30 in front of me. I curated it over a couple evenings. Screenshots I had taken of books people of IG were reading, titles from other 2018 book lists, etc. There are 10 that I’d really like to read, and a few that I’ll read, if I’m able. Now, I know 10 isn’t a huge number. I’m one of those people that would read 10 in a month, if I had time. But 10 is more realistic for me right now. Here goes.

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We have been continuing to keep our selves crazy busy. (I don’t think it’ll ever end. As much as I hate to say it – I’m kind of looking forward to some snow to keep us storm-stayed.) I just cannot believe that we’re making our way into the latter half of October.

I was grocery shopping [very late] last week one evening, and the staff at the store was putting all the Halloween stuff on sale and bringing out the Christmas things! That being said, I think Costco has had a bunch of their Christmas stock out for almost a month! I’m NOT ready for that yet!

I have lots of stuff to share this week. I was busy on the internet searching for things. Always searching.

I’m having a Steeped Tea party on Saturday with some lovely ladies, so I’m looking for recipes for that night. Briar’s birthday is fast approaching, and girly cakes (!!) are exciting to me. I’m still deciding on a dress to sew Briar, and quilt patterns, meal recipes, etc. You name it, I’m searching the web for it.

Here are a couple of books (fiction novels) that I thought looked good enough to read. They’re on my to-read list.

Blow-your-mind diy: Paper Marbling with shaving cream and food colouring. It’s SO COOL. I might just go use all hubby’s shaving cream. Seriously though, even if you aren’t interested in doing it – go look at it! It’s beautiful!

IKEA‘s new 2017 catalog is now available!! I LOVE devouring the pages of their yearly catalogs. They really do have some awesome products, and the layouts of the rooms in the catalogs are amazing! You can get one for free in the mail. Do it. Such a good look-book.

So. Things. Imma link up some things that I’ve been reading, doing, loving, wishing for, cooking, wearing, etc. I’d love feedback on what you guys are into these days too! I’m always up for a new book, etc.

However, we’ll start off with some of the cutest kids ever.

Eating fruit loops from the Hungry Hippo game. Great plate, eh?

My bro was home and went skating with Cael. They love hanging out!

Breakfast with a Reindeer. And funny faces.

AND! I somehow forgot to share out 2013 family photo! I love how it turned out. It was completely unplanned, but worked all the better for it…

To come next post! Because I don’t have it on this computer! 🙂 Gotta keep you on your toes!

Things

Are you busy? Wait. Is that a stupid question? I feel like most people think that they’re pretty busy. Well, you’ve got to make time in your busyness to read this great book, Crazy Busy. It deals with being BUSY! And so far, it’s great. A nice quick read too.

I discovered Joy the Baker about 3 years ago, and have been in love since. She’s got a great writing style, creates amazing biscuits, and has a lovely way with photography. She also has a cookbook – Joy the Baker Cookbook – that I would highly recommend. Especially if you like sweet thangs. Like chocolate…. and peanut butter.

Keep.com I’m new to it. I’d like to describe it as similar to Pinterest, but no food. (BOOOO.. I know. But clothes are good too!) Clothes, housewares, and all things cool. I get an email about once a week from them with recommended things for me and fall in love with most. Super cool.

Anthropologie has my heart when it comes to clothes. Check out this sweet pullover with the greatest details on the hem everrr. (In black, please! Size small! .. Anyone?)

This infinity scarf is what I’ve been knitting (for months… *sigh). I’m almost done and can’t wait to wear it! Not to mention how super easy it is. Only thing – I used size 9 needles, and Bernat Softee Chunky (4 balls). I love the way the stitch looks! It’s super cool, and the yarn is nice and cozy.